Nationwide, the median home price increased 8.2% to $229,400 in the second quarter compared to 2014, according to the National Association of Realtors.
First, the good news: Higher prices increase home equity and help bring some owners above water and increase their wealth.
“People with a lot of equity are more likely to start small businesses and are more likely to move up the economic ladder,” said Bill Wheaton, an economics professor at MIT. “Having collateral propels you in life.”